| Topic for open discussion: KiteShip,
the company birthed circa 1978
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| Sept. 23, 2020, post by Dave Santos Yes, DaveC started his serious kite sailing 1978, but KiteShip seems to mark the first formal incorporation in AWE. Great to be corrected about the (fizzled?) acquisition, which was conjectured based on payment rumors at the time. Does this mean KiteShip can be revived in coming R&D rounds? We could make sure its name is always in the hat. Greetings to DaveC. My pessimistic view of Makani drove a wedge between us. The outcome removes most doubt. |
| Sept. 23, 2020, post by Dave Culp [...42-years? ] Thank you for the kind words, but KiteShip never had any kind of equity position with Makani Power or anyone else. We did consulting work for and with Makani for a period but were never acquired. I should also point out that principal owners of KiteShip began their quest to marry large kites with boats starting in 1978, not 2000, thus more than 40 years ago. Again, thanks for the kind words. Dave Culp |
| Sept. 23, 2020, post by Dave
Santos KiteShip as First-ever AWE Company- Marking its 20 Year Anniversary Many companies have long existed to provide kites and gliders, but as far as a company unambiguously focused on AWE at a large scale, KiteShip stands as the very first. Its original goal was to displace dirty bunker-diesel consumption by ocean shipping at MW scale. Starting around 2000, Legandary Founder, Dave Culp, developed and validated KiteShip's giant power kites to do the job. In 2008, Makani, with GoogleX backing, acquired KiteShip, but did not move the company forward. The current legal status of KiteShip, post-Makani, is uncertain. Happy 20th KiteShip Anniversary
- an AWE Pioneer! |